Former Rider Derek Gee Confronts 30 Million Euro Lawsuit After Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada has revealed he faces a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract due to what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at the recent Giro d’Italia, left his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. That race was subject to extensive demonstrations related to Palestine connected with the conflict in Gaza.
"I terminated my contract with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement if they cannot to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated in a social media post.
He emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries about competing for the squad from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he mentioned.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team told Reuters they were unable to comment regarding this issue as the case is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the sport’s governing body. The news agency has also contacted the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that leaving the team meant being without an agreement or insurance in case of injury, but added it was a risk he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Rebranding News
"I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee went on. "Yet, I now confront what is described as a damages claim said to exceed around 30 million euros – simply for upholding my basic rights as an athlete and individual."
He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement of branding changes and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the 30 million euro claim covers. Riders typically earn only a fraction of that sum throughout their careers.
Separately, the team stated earlier this week that the team would undergo a full rebrand starting in 2026, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.
